SRINAGAR, Dec 19: Security forces made significant progress by eliminating five terrorists, including the top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, during a gunfight in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.
Authorities reported that Hizbul Commander Farooq Ahmed Bhat, also referred to as Farooq Nali, from Deschen Yemrich in Kulgam, was among those killed in the encounter in the Kader area of the district.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir V.K. Birdhi, confirmed Nali’s death, stating, “Yes, he is among the five terrorists killed.” As per police records, Farooq Nali, in his early 40s, had been active since 2015 and was one of the longest-standing terrorists. He was classified as “A++.”
Police officials indicated that following the death of Hizb operational commander Saifullah in a 2020 gunbattle in Srinagar, Nali assumed command of the group. “His death is a significant achievement for the security forces,” remarked a police officer in south Kashmir. “Farooq Nali was responsible for numerous terror attacks in the area.”
The operation commenced early Thursday morning, and as the cordon was being established, the terrorists opened fire and tried to escape. “The forces effectively thwarted their escape attempt, and in the following gun battle, which lasted almost two hours, five Hizb terrorists were neutralized in an orchard,” the officer elaborated.
During the exchange of fire, two Army personnel were injured. Earlier in the day, the army announced that a joint operation was initiated with the police based on specific intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists.
“On 19 Dec 24, a Joint Operation was launched by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice at Kader, Kulgam, following specific intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists. Suspicious activity was detected by alert troops, and when challenged, the terrorists unleashed indiscriminate and heavy gunfire. Our forces successfully retaliated,” stated the Army’s Chinar Corps in a post on X.
“Five terrorists have been neutralized by the security forces during the ongoing operation in Kader, Kulgam. During the confrontation, two soldiers were wounded and have been evacuated for medical treatment.”
